Egypt Reports 850 New Coronavirus Cases, 44 Deaths

On Sunday, Egypt reported 850 new coronavirus infections, bringing total cases nationwide to216, 334.

In its daily briefing, the health ministry reported 44 deaths, bringing total fatalities to 12, 738

It added that 765 patients have been discharged from hospitals in the past 24 hours, bringing total recoveries to 163, 479

Egypt is currently witnessing a steady increase in daily coronavirus cases, registering more than 800 daily cases in the past few days.

The rise in cases has forced eighteen dioceses in 13 Egyptian governorates to halt masses and congregational services during the Holy Week and Easter over coronavirus concerns.

The 18 dioceses are located in Luxor, Giza, Beni Suef, Gharbiya, Fayoum, Aswan, Sohag, Qena, Assiut, Qalioubiya, Port Said, Ismailia, and Suez.

Several Egyptian Coptic monasteries said they will ban visits in the upcoming period, which sees the holy week, until Easter due to a spike in coronavirus infections.

Health Minister Hala Zayed said in a press conference earlier this month that citizens have failed in the past period to adhere to preventive measures against the virus.

She urged adherence to the preventive measures during Ramadan, warning citizens against family gatherings and other popular rituals during the month to stem the spread of infections.